Age estimation using canine pulp volumes in adults:A CBCT image analysis

Secondary dentine deposition is responsible for the decrease in the volume of the pulp cavity with age. Therefore, the volume of the pulp cavity can be considered as a predictor for estimating age. The aims of this study were to investigate the relationship strength between canine pulp volumes and chronological age from homogenous (approximately equal numbers of individuals in each age range) age distribution and to assess the effect of sex as predictor in age estimation. This study was performed on 719 subjects of Pakistani origin. Cone beam computed tomography images of 521 left maxillary and 681 left mandibular canines were collected from 368 females and 349 males aged from 15 to 65 years. Planmeca Romexis® software was used to trace the outline of the pulp cavity and to calculate pulp volumes. Regression analysis was performed to assess the correlation between pulp volumes considering with and without sex as a predictor with chronological age. The obtained results showed that mandibular canine pulp volume and sex have the highest predictive power (R 2 = 0.33). The relationship between mandibular canine pulp volume and sex with chronological age demonstrates an odd S-shaped non-linear relationship. A statistically significant difference in volumes of pulp was found (p = 0.000) between males and females. The conclusion was that predictions using the pulp volume of the mandibular canine and sex produced the best estimates of chronological age. </p

Free flaps in Surgical Dermatology: comparison between fasciocutaneous and myocutaneous free flaps in facial reconstructions Retalhos livres em dermatologia cirúrgica: comparação entre os retalhos livres fasciocutâneos e miocutâneos nas reconstruções faciais

BACKGROUND: Dermatologic surgeons routinely harvest pedicled flaps at distance with an axial or random pattern to repair facial defects. These types of skin flaps are time-consuming and have high economic, social and personal costs. These drawbacks could be avoided with the introduction of a single-step transfer of free flaps to the recipient site, with microvascular anastomosis. OBJECTIVE: To demonstrate that better results are obtained with myocutaneous or fasciocutaneous free flaps and which one is more suitable in surgical dermatology. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We selected two patients of opposite sexes and similar ages who had undergone Mohs surgery to remove recurrent malignant tumors that were located in the upper cheek bordering the zygomatic zone. The woman was treated with a fasciocutaneous radial free flap and the man with a rectus abdominis free flap. RESULTS: Both patients had excellent immediate postoperative outcomes. Complications observed in the male patient were related to a previous pulmonary alteration. The fasciocutaneous radial free flap reconstruction was easier to perform than the rectus abdominis free flap; nevertheless, the radial free flap is very thin and, although the palmaris longus tendon is used, it does not yield enough volume, requiring later use of implants. In contrast, the rectus abdominis free flap transfers a wide flap with enough fat tissue to expand in the future. As for the cosmetic results regarding the donor site, the rectus abdominis free flap produces better-looking scars, since secondary defects of the palmar surface cannot be directly closed and usually require grafting - a situation that some patients do not accept. CONCLUSIONS: In surgical dermatology, each case, once the tumor has been extirpated, requires its own reconstructive technique. The radial free flap is suitable for thin patients who are willing to cover their arm with a shirt. The rectus abdominis free flap is best suited for obese patients with deep and voluminous defects, although it is necessary to dislocate the navel from its original position<br>FUNDAMENTOS: Os cirurgiões dermatológicos habitualmente realizam retalhos pediculados cutâneos à distância, de padrão axial ou ao acaso, para reparar os defeitos faciais. Estes tipos de retalhos cutâneos requerem muito tempo para realizar-se e têm elevadas despesas econômicas, sociais e pessoais. Com a introdução da transferência em uma única etapa de retalhos livres ao local receptor, com anastomose microvascular, estes inconvenientes poderiam ser evitados. OBJETIVO: Demonstrar que se obtêm melhores resultados com retalhos livres fasciocutâneos ou miocutâneos e qual deles é mais adequado em Dermatologia cirúrgica. MATERIAL E MÉTODOS: Selecionamos dois pacientes, de sexos diferentes e idades similares, que haviam sido tratados com cirurgia de Mohs, para eliminar os tumores malignos recidivantes que se localizavam na parte superior das bochechas contatando com a zona zigomática. A mulher foi tratada com um retalho livre fasciocutâneo radial e o homem com um retalho livre do músculo reto do abdômen. RESULTADOS: Ambos os pacientes tiveram excelentes períodos pós-operatórios imediatos. As complicações observadas no homem foram relacionadas a uma alteração pulmonar prévia. O retalho fasciocutâneo radial livre foi mais fácil de realizar do que o do reto do abdômen; não obstante, o retalho livre radial é muito fino e, embora lhe seja incluído tendão do palmar, não proporciona suficiente volume razão pela qual requer a introdução posterior de implantes. Em contrapartida, o retalho livre do reto do abdômen transfere um largo retalho que tem suficiente tecido grasso para poder engordar no futuro. Quanto aos resultados estéticos da zona doadora, o retalho do reto do abdômen produz melhores cicatrizes, já que os defeitos secundários da superfície palmar do antebraço não podem ser fechados diretamente e requerem habitualmente a aplicação de um enxerto; situação que alguns pacientes não aceitam. CONCLUSÕES: Como sempre em Dermatologia cirúrgica, cada paciente e cada tumor, uma vez extirpado, tem sua própria técnica reconstrutiva. O retalho livre radial é adequado para pacientes magros que não se incomodam de cobrir seu antebraço com a camisa. O retalho do reto do abdômen é mais adequado para pacientes obesos com defeitos profundos e voluminosos, embora seja necessário deslocar o umbigo de sua posição origina

Interactions of Nanoenabled Agrochemicals with Soil Microbiome

International audienceSoil is a dynamic, physically, spatially and temporally heterogeneous but well-organized, three-dimensional porous matrix mixing mineral and organic matter and living organisms. Among them, soil microbiota constitute a reservoir in which plants select a specific microbiome, contributing to their growth and their health. Microbes in soil also contribute to many ecosystemic services in agrosystems, as the recycling of major nutrients in the soil ecosystem (carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, sulfur…). Nanoagrochemicals are active substances based on nanotechnologies and nanoformulations to improve the characteristics and properties of active molecules as pesticides for agronomy purposes, e.g., biocides, herbicides but also nutrients. Nanotechnologies have burst into agronomy with a potential for innovation in order to improve the efficiency of pesticides, nutrients, their delivery and thus contribute to the reduction of inputs in agriculture. However, the impact of these nanopesticides on the soil microbiota as non-target organism remains underestimated up to now. The chapter review the approaches and trends in the evaluation of nanopesticides implications on soil microbiota, focusing on copper-and silver-based nanoparticles as pesticides or on formulation or nanocarriers of conventional pesticides. By confronting the current knowledge and comparing methodologies, the potential and the pitfalls to overcome are discussed, together with future directions